Why close the launch ramp, EID?

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I have a question for El Dorado Irrigation District. Why are they closing the gate to the brand-new launch ramp at Caples lake?

This popular fishing lake is within easy striking distance of many Motherlode and valley anglers, and its popularity has increased dramatically since the dam repairs and all the trout plants since them. There are hundreds of anglers on the lake, and dozens of boats during much of the season.

Now that fall is here, the trout are on a huge feeding binge while they fill up for the winter, but ice on the lake is still probably a month or more away, and there are many anglers who still want to take their boats up there to fish.

EID made a big deal about building the brand-new, beautiful boat launch and parking area on Caples. But when they opened it, they brought in a “caretaker” who lived on-site in a trailer, and he didn’t even open the gate until 7 a.m., hours after some boaters wanted to get on the lake and when the best fishing is. Now, they’re closing, or have closed the gate for the season.

But why? There’s not enough snow to hamper launching, there’s no ice on the lake, the facilities don’t need any full time care (you can lock up the bathrooms if you want), but why keep the public from using the public launch ramp? This just doesn’t make any sense at all, and after all the hoopla about what a great thing the launch is, why in the world are you closing it when a need still exists?

Personally, I don’t think the gate should ever be locked. If it’s a question of vandalism, work with the county sheriff and California Highway Patrol and ask for “drive-throughs” when they’re passing by.